Tatum High School student dies in wreck

By Staff Reports
May 18, 2017 at 10:02 p.m.Updated May 18, 2017 at 10:02 p.m.

Tatum ISD students, faculty and staff are mourning the death of a sophomore who was killed Thursday evening in a wreck.

Sarah Paige Stanfield died in a one-vehicle wreck about 6:30 p.m. Thursday on Texas 43 between Marshall and Tatum, Superintendent J.P. Richardson said late Thursday.

At Tatum High School, Stanfield was involved in cheerleading and debate, was a member of National Honor Society and was in the Homecoming court.

Richardson said though school is out Friday, counselors will be available next week for students who are grieving. Some students also gathered at Tatum High School late Thursday night to remember their classmate.

"For those of you who knew Sarah Paige, we ask that you remember and celebrate her smile and kind spirit," Richardson wrote in a late evening note to the Tatum ISD community. "For those of you who did not know Sarah Paige, we ask that you respect our sadness and support us with your understanding."

Richardson also asked in the note for parents to be alert for any signs that their child is struggling with coping with the loss.

In addition to counselors at Tatum High School, there also will be counselors stationed throughout Tatum ISD to help any student, he said.

Richardson said he intends to post updates to the Tatum ISD Facebook page and said he will inform the community once he is aware of funeral arrangements.

Those with any questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the district at (903) 947-6482.